Parthiban Kanavu by Kalki Krishnamurthy

"Parthiban Kanavu" is a Tamil historical novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy. The novel is set in 7th century South India and revolves around the story of a Chola prince named Vikraman who wants to reclaim his kingdom from the Pallavas.

The title "Parthiban Kanavu" translates to "Parthiban's Dream". The novel is considered a classic in Tamil literature and has been adapted into movies and TV series several times.

Parthiban Kanavu is a historical Tamil novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy. Published in 1942, the novel is set during the Pallava dynasty in South India and tells the story of a prince named Vikraman who seeks to reclaim his father's throne.

The novel is divided into two parts. The first part, titled "Kannagi", introduces us to Vikraman, the prince of Kanchipuram. His father, the king, was overthrown and killed by his own brother-in-law, Narasimhavarman, who took over the throne and became the Pallava king. Vikraman, who was just a child at the time, managed to escape with his mother and was raised in hiding by a group of loyal supporters.

As a young man, Vikraman falls in love with a beautiful and intelligent woman named Kundhavi. She is the daughter of a wealthy merchant and is known for her wit and wisdom. Kundhavi reciprocates Vikraman's love but is aware that he is a prince and must reclaim his throne before they can be together.

In the second part of the novel, titled "Sivakami", Vikraman begins his quest to reclaim his throne. He meets a woman named Sivakami, who is the daughter of a weaver and has a deep knowledge of the art of weaving. Sivakami agrees to help Vikraman by creating a fabric that will be used to rally the people of Kanchipuram to his cause.

Vikraman's journey is fraught with danger as he must evade Narasimhavarman's spies and assassins. He also faces opposition from his own people, who are wary of supporting a prince who has been in hiding for so long. However, Vikraman's charisma and bravery win over many of his detractors and he eventually manages to build an army and launch an attack on Narasimhavarman's forces.

The novel is notable for its portrayal of strong, independent female characters. Kundhavi and Sivakami are both intelligent and resourceful women who play important roles in Vikraman's quest to reclaim his throne. Kalki Krishnamurthy was a feminist writer who believed in the empowerment of women and this is reflected in his portrayal of these two characters.

Parthiban Kanavu is also notable for its vivid and detailed descriptions of life during the Pallava dynasty. Kalki Krishnamurthy was a meticulous researcher and his descriptions of the architecture, clothing, and customs of the time are accurate and informative. The novel also contains several historical references, including the story of Kannagi, the legendary Tamil woman who is the central character of the Tamil epic Silappatikaram.

The novel has been adapted into several films, including a 1960 Tamil film of the same name directed by D. Yoganand and starring Gemini Ganesan, Vyjayanthimala, and Ashokan. The film was a commercial and critical success and is still considered a classic of Tamil cinema.

In conclusion, Parthiban Kanavu is a classic Tamil novel that tells an engaging and exciting story of a prince's quest to reclaim his throne. The novel's strong female characters, detailed historical descriptions, and well-crafted plot make it a must-read for anyone interested in Tamil literature or South Indian history. Kalki Krishnamurthy's legacy as a feminist writer and researcher is also reflected in the novel's themes and characters, making it a valuable contribution to Tamil literary canon.